He’s been called the “most interesting man in baseball.” Joey Votto’s unique personality is one big reason why the retired Reds legend is now the target of MLB media partners seeking new TV talent, sources tell Front Office Sports.
The 2010 National League MVP retired in 2024 after 17 seasons in the big leagues. Votto was known to be one of the most engaging stars in sports. The free agent is drawing interest from several members of MLB’s new lineup of media partners, sources say. That expanded lineup now includes NBC Sports, Netflix, ESPN, Fox Sports, TBS, and MLB Network.
“Joey Votto is, in my opinion, a no-brainer,” says one sports TV producer, who declined to be named. “He’s an MVP. He has a national name. He’s a natural in front of the camera.” Added another media source: “If NBC wants to make a splash with Sunday Night Baseball, Joey would be perfect.”
The six-time All-Star liked to get his feet wet in sportscasting during his playing career. During 2022 Opening Day, he donned a mic for ESPN during a Reds-Braves game. It made for great TV. While the ball was in play, Votto talked defense, hitting mechanics and dabbled in play-by-play. When Ozzie Albies of the Braves reached first base, Votto asked him, “Hey Ozzie, what do you think about me getting a gold tooth?” As The Score wrote on X/Twitter: “Need Joey Votto mic’d up every game this year.”
While rehabbing an injury later that season, Votto put on the headset and called several Reds game telecasts with play-by-play announcer John Sadak and game analyst Barry Larkin on Fox Sports Ohio.
With his career winding down in 2024, the Canadian star dressed up as a “Mountie” for an interview with MLB Network’s Chris Rose and Kevin Millar. The interview came off like a Saturday Night Live sketch. Votto talked about the “Red Serge,” his horse “Nibbles” and eating donuts at Tim Hortons. ”It’s a-boot the time for us to finish this interview,” said Votto, showing off his accent.
No wonder The Athletic called the quirky, chess-playing Votto the “most interesting man in baseball” back in 2021. Awful Announcing wrote last year that Fox could “revolutionize” its baseball coverage by making Votto the “next Tom Brady.” Even if that means dumping John Smoltz as its lead game analyst in favor of Votto.
The Reds legend could not be reached for this story. But while he was still looking for one last team in March 2024, Votto discussed a possible media career with Dan Patrick.
“Funny enough, I’ve had 10 times the analyst jobs over this offseason than I have had any baseball offers,” he said.
Earlier this week, my FOS colleague Ryan Glasspiegel and I compiled a scouting report on newly-retired players who could go into TV, ranging from Clayton Kershaw to Anthony Rizzo.
Like Kershaw, we don’t know if Votto wants to join the media as soon as next season. But if he does, I would put him right at the top of that list. Don’t be surprised to see him draw multiple offers before Opening Day of 2026.
